***Spoilers Ahead***

The movie stayed true to the trailers that had been released to advertize for it. A quiet girl decides to try and prove herself by playing the online dare game controlled by anonymous Watchers that escalates in danger and monetary prizes the more dares completed. When Roberts’ character Venus tries to back out, she is then taken hostage by the game which she had allowed access to all her personal information, including bank accounts.

The movie had wonderfully interesting cinematography, shot traditionally, through video cameras on phones, and with the entire movie screen occasionally acting as a computer screen. The plot was more or less predictable based on the trailers, with only a couple of minor twists that deviated from expectations, though there were a couple of times where events could have led to different, more exciting situations had they been taken advantage of.

The real action came from the suspense of the dares. The dares at first were more lighthearted, based more on possible humiliation of the Players than anything else. As the movie went on, the dares set up by the Watchers became more cruel and dangerous until they were fully in the realm of life threatening and murderous. The audience, both in the movie and in the theaters, watches as Ian (Franco) hangs from one hand off of a crane at the top of a tall building, or another player laying down on the tracks as a train goes over him.

By the end of the movie when the game takes a poll from the Watchers to decide if Venus is going to get killed in the game, the movie seems to become more of a critique on those obsessed with online popularity and with those who are so disconnected with the real world that they don’t see a problem with watching a girl get shot so long as she continues to play the game. While some people choose ‘no,’ the majority choose ‘yes’ which seems to illustrate the idea that the generation targeted are largely comprised of sociopathic young adults disconnected with the reality of their actions. Of course, it could also simply be an easy device to move the plot along.

Overall Nerve had great suspense and was more original than expected. The acting was good and the situations, though at times less than believable, helped build for a dramatic climax. This movie is definitely recommended for adrenaline junkies and those who like to be on the edge of their seats.

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